Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan, has officially announced her separation from husband Shakib Cham Lutaaya , bringing an end to one of East Africa’s most talked-about celebrity relationships.
In a statement shared on Zari Hassan’s Instagram account and signed by both parties, the couple revealed that they had mutually decided to part ways due to irreconcilable differences. Despite the breakup, they emphasized that there is no anger or bitterness between them and expressed gratitude for the memories they created together.
The former couple also stated that they intend to remain friends and continue treating each other with mutual respect as they move forward separately.
Zari and Shakib first went public with their relationship in 2021, capturing the attention of fans across the region. After years of dating and repeatedly dismissing breakup rumors, the pair sealed their love in a private Nikah ceremony held in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2023.
However, shortly after the announcement, Shakib reportedly told MBU.ug that he was shocked by the statement and had not been informed beforehand, adding another twist to the unexpected split.
The news has sparked widespread reactions online, with fans expressing sadness over the end of what many considered a fairy-tale romance. Others revisited discussions about the couple’s age gap and relationship dynamics, while many praised Shakib for the fatherly role he played in the lives of Zari’s five children throughout their relationship.
As social media continues to buzz with speculation and opinions, fans are left reflecting on the end of a love story that once seemed destined to last forever
